Newark school plan would clear space for charters, shift scores of students

Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-LedgerNewark Mayor Cory Booker says the additional charter schools and the five new public schools planned for the city "will increase the menu of options for parents unhappy with their children’s current education."

NEWARK &mdash Newark school officials are considering a plan to move out, or consolidate, several of the city's public schools to make space for 11 charter schools in a massive reshuffling that could affect thousands of students, according to a document obtained by The Star-Ledger.

The complex proposal drawn up by an outside consulting firm was handed out to a group of Newark school principals at a hastily called meeting at the district’s headquarters Friday, according to sources who attended the gathering. The group was told some of the changes could be in place by September.

Several struggling public schools, including Quitman Street School and Fifteenth Avenue School, could be phased out and have their students sent to other schools under the plan. All have spent years on the state’s "schools in need of improvement" list because of low test scores.

Others schools with low enrollment, including Camden Middle School and Camden Street Elementary, would be consolidated into a single building.

The freed-up space would be leased to new and existing charter schools, including North Star Academy, Lady Liberty, Spirit Prep and Vailsburg Prep. It is unclear if the charter schools, which do not operate under the Newark school district’s authority, would compensate the district for the use of the space.

The report gives a first glimpse at how Newark is preparing to deal with its embattled and underachieving school system. The recommendations come as the city is searching for a new superintendent to replace Clifford Janey, who resigned last month.

The 39-page proposal — marked "Strictly Confidential Draft Work Product" on every page — was never meant to be public, said Rochelle Hendricks, the acting state deputy education commissioner heading the transition team overseeing Newark schools. No decisions about moving or consolidating schools have been decided.

"It’s a planning document," Hendricks said. "The co-locations for charters is not finalized in any way, shape or form."

However, one part of the report is finalized. Newark school officials plan to announce the creation of five new public schools today at a 6 p.m. meeting of the Newark Public School Advisory Board at the Fifteenth Avenue School.

The new schools are: Bard Early College, Green School, Diploma Plus, Harvey Milk and YouthBuild.Unlike charter schools, they will be run by the Newark school district. Each will be housed or share space within an existing Newark school.

For example, the new Harvey Milk school, designed for Newark’s gay and lesbian students, could use part of Science Park High School, according to the plan. YouthBuild, a new school for Newark students transitioning out of jail and other trouble, could share space with Malcolm X Shabazz High School, the Academy of Vocational Careers and American History High School.

Hendricks stressed the proposed changes are designed to offer more options to Newark students and make the best use of the district’s buildings.

"We are not looking at closing or shuttering school facilities," Hendricks said.

Newark is also looking for ways to blend in a growing charter school system that currently educates 14 percent of the city’s students. Last month, Gov. Chris Christie announced the approval of a record 23 new charter schools, including several in Newark.

Tim Sparvero/The Star-Ledger

The additional charter schools and the five new public schools will increase the menu of options for parents unhappy with their children’s current education, said Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

"Newark Public Schools, as part of its strategic plan, is currently weighing a variety of different scenarios to create more great public school options for the city’s families next year. Every Newark family deserves access to a high-quality public school," Booker said in a statement.

The proposal was drawn up by Global Education Advisors, a consulting firm hired by Booker using donated funds, city officials said. The consultants made their recommendations after doing 60 school walkthroughs, according to the report. They also analyzed enrollment data, test scores, staffing and the budget implications of their recommendations.

News that Newark is considering phasing out and consolidating schools upset many parents and teachers. Leah Owens, a former Newark teacher who advocates for city students through a nonprofit group, sent out an e-mail blast yesterday calling on parents to attend today’s 6 p.m. advisory board meeting to protest any changes that could lead to overcrowded classrooms or longer commutes for students.

"Going from neighborhood to neighborhood, particularly for children in middle school, is worrisome," said Owens, head of the nonprofit Teachers as Leaders in Newark. "At that age, they’re susceptible to gangs and the streets."